2011 Scholarship Entry #8: Sophie Koch

I think that the greatest challenge presented to my generation, more so than on any other generation previous, are issues surrounding the environment. As the human population grows and the demand for natural resources rises, the problems of pollution and resource depletion increase as well. Without a commitment from individuals around the globe, these problems will only continue to grow until there exists no turning back.

In an effort to make this commitment, I will be attending the University of Alberta in the fall, beginning an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences, majoring in animal biology. My goal is to gain a foundation of knowledge of the inner-workings of the environment at the organism level, and then expand into the area of environmental biology, specifically to address environmental issues associated with the Athabasca Oil Sands.

The extraction and production of oil brings billions of dollars into the Albertan economy through foreign trade and employs thousands of people. For these reasons, stopping the extraction of oil from the Athabasca Oil Sands is irrational; however, it is important to understand their environmental impacts. I believe that the most serious issue is the use and pollution of massive amounts of water during extraction. According to the Pembina Institute, 'in [order] to produce 1m3 of synthetic crude oil in a mining operation requires about 2-4.5 m3 of water (net figures)'. This large amount of water is polluted with toxins and cannot be recycled. These toxins end up in tailing ponds or flow downstream in the Athabasca River, and are damaging to the wildlife and people around the area and downstream. As water is the basis for all life, I aim to learn, in my undergraduate degree, how the pollutants and toxins that are produced by the processes of the oil sands affect organisms. I hope to apply this knowledge in an effort to remedy and improve the processes practiced in the extraction of crude oil.

In the mean time, I aim to continue to support organizations that share this same goal such as the Pembina Institute, Ecojustice and CPAWS. These organizations recognize the importance of the oil sands to the Albertan economy, and they advocate for the reformation of processes that are detrimental to the environment. These three organizations aim to restrict the amount of water extracted from the Athabasca River, eliminate the wet tailings ponds in order to protect wildlife, protect at least 50% of the boreal forest and reduce water usage. In support of these organizations, I hope to help improve upon the process of Clark Hot Water Extraction in an effort to preserve water and reduce impacts on the environment.

I think that issues of the environment are often overlooked by my generation because they seem too complex to influence; however, through education and support for these organizations and ongoing research I believe that my generation can address one of the greatest obstacles facing the world today